National Republican., 1887-01-19
Un,lcr which King. Bayaria2 2

Since the memorable conflict on that
summer day in 1870 when Bavarian troops,
whose neutrality was so strongly relied
upon by Napoleon III, were hurled with
such furious impetuosity upon the French
forces at Gravelotte. the Bavarlan kingdom
has occupied, next TO Prussia, the most i'm
portant position in the political history Of
Germany. 1t was the Wagner
stricken Ludwig - destined to self
inflicted death-who at the meeting of
kings and princes at Versailles proposed
that William Of Prussia should be elected
emperor Of Germany. Since that time we
have heard more Of Ludwg's musical than
Of his military distinction, but the country
whose finances he mlsmauaged for years
with such signal ability maintains her lofty
place among the defenders of Blsmarek's
empire. Her future career will be watched
with interest by all who keep any count Of
European events, and her present position
deserves passing notice
As will be remembered, when Ludwig
drowned himself last summer in that lonely
northern lake.his younger brother succeeded
to the nominal sovereignty. Otto, the new
king, suffers from mental aillictlon more
serious than that Of his deceased brother,
and there never has been a particle Of hope
for his deliverancc from drivellng idiocy.
BY concurrence of both houses of parlid-
ment it was agreed that Prince Luitpold,
uncle of King Otto, should be proclaimed
regent. Some months ago 1t was au.
nounced that Luitpold had had an inter-
view with Emperor William and Bismarck
in reference to the state Of Bavarian affairs,
and to his own right to the
kingdom In place Of an idiot king
who reigned but did not rule. The matter
dropped for a time, but from yesterdays
cable dispatches we learn that new negotia-
tions on the same subject are now pro-
ceeding. Baron Crallsheim, Bavarian min
lister for foreign affairs, arrived in Berlin on
Monday with the ostensible mission OF ten
dering the sympathy Of his master aud
country to the aged kaiser, who is supposed
to be sickened nigh unto death by the
defeat of his blood.and.irony chancellor's
army measure In the relchstag.
This movement clearly signifies that
Bavaria, under Regent Luitpold, is solidly
with Prussia under all probable complica.
tions, and, considering the religious differ
ences of the countries, this prompt sup
port of Bavaria is Of the utmost Importance
to Prussia in face Of the coming elections,
If not in face of an immediate war
Bavaria has a well equipped army of
$1,000 men, absolutely at the disposal OF
the empire. She sends, next to Prussia, the
largest number of representatives to the
bundesrath and the reichstag, and has d
population OF five and quarter millions.
In return for this support Lultpold is moi
indisposed to accept help from Russia, and
the cable dispatch quotes from the semi
official TdgeJldu that Baron Crailsheim't
mission ''includes the settlement Of plar
which was discussed ON the occasion of tn,
regents recent visit to Berlin to declare
I.uitpold king Of Bavaria.'
This action on part of Bavaria will nj
doubt be generally followed by the othe
German states which participated in tn
struggles and conquests Of 1870, and ther
is little room for regarding the words o
Bismarck as anything but perfectly slncer
when he said last week that, whatever tht
existing parliament might do, he sheul,
have his septennial army bill passed anyhow